Pet-en-l'air or
Robe Ó la Franšaise

The robe Ó la franšaise
was one of the most flattering gowns worn by ladies in the 18th century. Fitted closely to
the torso in the front, the back of the gown hangs in graceful pleats from shoulder to
hemline. This style was popular from the 1750s through the 1770s.

In its shortened jacket form, it was usually called a pet-en-lair. The enclosed pattern is
for the pet-en-lair, sleeve flounces and stomacher only. Directions are given for
extending the pet-en-lair into a gown. In addition, instructions and cutting layout are
included for making a petticoat which will hang gracefully over pocket hoops.

This original pattern is based on extant
examples of sack gowns and pet-en-lairs, as shown in Patterns of Fashion 1,
by Janet Arnold; and in the collection of The
Metropolitan Museum of Art, robe Ó la franšaise,
c.1755-1770, CI 43-90-49; gold satin caraco (pet-en-lair) and petticoat c. 1775, CI 37-57
ab.